Tom Head selection

rusty · Newbie Joined: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 15

I realize this is a topic that won't have a "for-sure" answer and will be as wide open as drumming styles and what type of drums to have. But here is goes; I have an early '70s Rogers Signature set with PowerTone toms and bass. I have the Aquarian Super Kick II's on the bass and it is wonderful. Thanks to Luc my snare is now sounding fine but it is time to get my toms up to snuff.

Currently they have Pinstrips (that are probably over 20 years old) on the batter side and black dots on the reso. I play classic rock, country and at time have sat in with a big band. I'm not what I'd consider a power drummer as I don't hit the drums harder than necessary to be heard. I like the sound of wide open toms that have nice clear notes. My set has two 12" rack, a 16" and 18" floor toms. What recommendations, from the huge selection of heads on the market, would anyone suggest? Since my rack toms are the same size will they be able to sound good with the tuning to be a forth different? Shane, if you think it would be helpful I could bring the toms in.

Thanks

Shane · Newbie Joined: Feb 13, 2004 Posts: 191

Coated Emperor.

bongosolo · Newbie Joined: Mar 03, 2005 Posts: 18

Not to disagree with the expert, but I like Evans G2 coated heads over Emperors. I feel like I get more clarity out of the wide open "note" with the Evans.

But I do think you are going to have difficulty with a consistent tone when tuning two 12 toms a fourth apart. One suggestion would be to use a thinner head on the higher pitched tom so it doesn't sound "pinched." If using the Emperors, try an Ambassador on the higher drum; if G2s, use a G1 on the higher drum.

Good luck...I have found the best (although a little expensive) way to find the right head sound for a drum is to try, try, try different things until I strike gold.

BlakeN · Newbie Joined: Mar 11, 2004 Posts: 6

Well I personally love my Aquarian Response II's.

rusty · Newbie Joined: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 15

What I ended up using are the Evans G2 coated for the batter and G1 clear on the reso side. I like the sound and they were very easy to tune.

I don't know if it was how old the pinstripe heads were but I wasn't able to tune out overtones when the toms were hit. Now there is a very nice note, so clear if I hold a tuner next to the drum I can set the drum to a note. Before the tuner was all over the place with all the overtones.

Currently I've changed the setup a bit and only using one rack tom. I'm looking to replace one of the 12s with a 13.

Thanks for the suggestions.